Valerie J. (Urban) Higgins

Valerie J. Higgins

1945-2025

On January 7, 2025, Valerie J. Higgins, 79, of Hometown peacefully entered into her eternal rest surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Valentine J. and Margaret (Shafer) Urban and the wife of Joseph E. Higgins of Nesquehoning for 57 years. She is predeceased by her brother Douglas B. Urban. She was a 1963 graduate of Notre Dame of Green Pond High School and attended Alvernia College and Allentown College while employed as a second grade teacher at St. Jane Francis de Chantal school in Easton.

A former resident of Nesquehoning, she was employed for 24 years as a pharmacy technician at Joyce's Pharmacy, she also served as a substitute elementary school teacher before working at Redner's market as a customer service representative until her retirement. She was a former member of Sacred Heart and St Francis of Assisi churches where she served in many capacities, including as a bereavement facilitator for Carbon and Schuylkill counties. She served on the advisory board for Marian High School and was a past president of the Carbon County volunteers for literacy as a certified ABE/ESL tutor. She was an active member in her community as the Judge of Election for Nesquehoning West Ward for 27 years, a volunteer for the Carbon County Cancer Society, a member and past president of the Nesquehoning Women's club, a volunteer for the knee high football program, and a certified Boy Scout den mother.

Valerie cherished spending time and laughing with family and friends and enjoyed spiritual retreats, dancing, and Notre Dame football.

Surviving in addition to her husband: two sons, Joseph A. Higgins and his wife Christine of Boston, MA, and Matthew J. Higgins and his wife Jennifer of Lansford, PA; two daughters, Dr Pamela J. Higgins and her husband Daniel Paese of Mechanicsburg, PA and Samanatha M. Higgins and Julian Laze of Philadelphia, PA; six grandchildren Jack, Ashton, Theresa, Emilia, Victoria, and Anthony; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday January 14, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in the St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 799 Barnesville Drive, Barnesville, PA 18214 with Rev. Robert T. Finlan officiating. Private interment will be held in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown. Call Tuesday morning from 10-11:00 A.M. in the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Valerie's name can be directed to the Shepherd's Garden of the Heritage Hill Senior Community c/o the Jospeh S. Blazosky Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.blazoskyfh.com

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